Vegetarian Cranberry Ginger Cooler
This vibrant, refreshing drink is the kind of thing you want to sip on a warm afternoon or serve at a gathering when you need something that feels a little special without a lot of effort. Tart unsweetened cranberry juice gets balanced by a homemade ginger syrup made with maple syrup — a natural sweetener that adds subtle depth without overpowering the other flavors. Fresh lime juice brightens everything up, and the sparkling water gives it that satisfying fizz that makes it feel like a proper cocktail-hour drink, even without the alcohol. The ginger syrup comes together in minutes on the stovetop, and a short steeping time is all it takes to pull serious warmth and spice out of the fresh ginger slices. Everything here is straightforward, plant-based, and free of any animal products, so it fits naturally into a meat-free lifestyle without any substitutions or workarounds needed. Garnished with fresh mint and a thin lime wheel, it's genuinely beautiful in the glass and tastes every bit as good as it looks.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the ginger syrup
- 1 cup 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- ½ cup water
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
For the cooler
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 cups sparkling water
- 2 cups ice cubes
For serving
- 4 sprigs fresh mint (optional)
- 4 thin lime slices (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, maple syrup, and sliced ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the maple syrup dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until the syrup is fragrant and the ginger flavor is pronounced.
- 2
Remove from the heat and let the ginger syrup steep for 15 minutes, until cooled to room temperature. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing the ginger slices to extract as much liquid as possible; discard the solids.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!